BBlunt salons to sport an industrial-chic vocab!

By Rutvi Ashar

Photography: Courtesy Gautam Desai Design

Read Time: 2 mins

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The rich inviting salon-front of BBlunt’s flagship quickly changes into a soothing haven inside at the hands of Gautam Desai Design...

BBlunt’s flagship in a South Mumbai heritage building undergoes a total makeover at the hands of architect, interior designer and stylist, Gautam Desai, who adeptly harmonises the contemporaneity of the fit-out with its heritage shell.

Known for bringing-to-board not just building expertise, but also a sound understanding of branding, visual merchandising and stylization, Gautam’s design strategies work towards an easily replicable footprint for the next-generation salon at locations throughout India.

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The 1200 sq. ft. space is split into three-levels; where the second level is more like a sandwiched central deck that enables a smooth transition between beauty routines. Due to height restrictions, industrial-grade metal bunker light fixtures light up the stacked levels and induce a sense of aesthetic continuity. 

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Catering to high profile clientèle, privacy is ensured for hair rituals and grooming  in addition to the more general space that configures twelve hair-styling, cutting and colour stations besides four shampoo stations, a colour bar and retail and storage areas; not to forget comforting zones (reception and waiting) for the clients and staff alcoves. 

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In salons, where the focus is on a tranquil and calm mood, colour palettes rely heavily on cool hues; although the designer efficiently retains the stunning Venetian windows (painted a deep royal blue), almost metaphorically alluding to the era of kingdoms, when ablutions were ceremonial.  

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Having said that, the beauty of the salon lies in the detailing: its grey and white interior envelope with its exposed steel ceiling-joists and flagstone ceiling is anointed with rough-slate flooring, white-wash floor boards, high-gloss and distressed furniture, bell-jar lighting fixtures, quirky accessories and funky wallpapers. Colour pops appear to enliven the space in product bottles and packaging as well as in select soft furnishings.

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The salon appears grounded with a diabolic essence of transience – probably unwittingly – as the furniture and mirrors in the central deck appear suspended infusing lightness in the interior. All-in-all, the salon essentials seamlessly weave into the existing floor plate giving this heritage structure another purpose!